The championship culture of the Ohio State Buckeyes spreads a lot beyond the time of games. Caleb Downs talked about a competitive encounter with the star receiver Jeremiah Smith in the weight room, where they energized the other teammates and demonstrated their intense drive to improve.
Caleb Downs Recalls Memorable Competitive Moment With Jeremiah Smith
During a recent weight room session, the healthy competition between Ohio State’s defensive and offensive stars had a fantastic angle.
Downs shared a candid insight while describing his relationship with his teammate, Smith. The event he recounts is evidence that these players, who have already achieved great things at the highest level, are still very hardcore and focused even when they simply do their regular daily practice.
“You should have seen the other day when we were in the weight room, just, he’s huge,” Downs stated during an interview. The specific incident that caught everyone’s attention involved something as simple as measurements.
MORE: Heisman Hopeful Jeremiah Smith Credits Two Current NFL Stars for Own WR Growth at Ohio State
“He’s huge, and we was like we were doing, like, arm measurements or something, and just the energy in the weight room of everybody competing is crazy, but yeah, he’s an elite talent and an elite receiver,” he said.
Downs wrapped up the 2024 championship season with some good numbers. He made 82 tackles and came in third on the team. He also made 49 solo tackles and scored a very nice 79-yard punt return touchdown against Indiana.
For those out there coaching football (youth football especially) next time your coaching your defense up on “running THROUGH the tackle” show them this 👇🏾 clip of Caleb Downs! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/kdHBjDqlwm
— B.Moses (@bmoses30) November 17, 2024
On the other hand, Smith also performed well. He caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns.
When discussing their practice matchups, Downs explained, “Yeah, a couple times, but, I mean, it’s not like the Saints go against the Whiteouts every day, so.” Despite their competitive nature, mutual respect exists between the stars.
“It’s always competitive, and I appreciate him for everything that he does, and he knows I got a lot of love for him,” Downs stated.
It is worth noting that the competitive advantage was also reflected in the defensive tactics. When asked to discuss how to prevent Smith from cutting the middle, Downs confidently said, “I mean, he already knows that.”
This weight room event demonstrates the winning spirit that has been a key factor in Ohio State’s success over the years. The team has achieved sustained excellence through the daily grind.
